Originally released as a full-size arcade stand up, the Paperboy I remember playing was the Nintendo port a few years later. If I recall correctly, my friends and I were shocked by the digitized voices emanating from the TV. Years later, the same (non-shocking) digital voice beckons me to hit the streets and save the paper business.

I’ve always considered Paperboy to be a classic, which is strange because I was never really good at it. Players control the local paperboy as he winds down one of three streets (based on difficulty) avoiding obstacles and trying not to break his customer’s windows. Each difficulty level has seven levels of progressing difficulty, one for each day of the week. Successful deliveries bring new customers the next day, and points are accumulated through the week.

Midway continues the trend of lame multiplayer modes with Paperboy, allowing you to “compete” with other players scores in realtime. I really wish they would stop this, as I believe it discredits classic games. If you can’t make a compelling multiplayer experience, then just publish the game the way players always enjoyed it. Please don’t do a half-baked job!

Although I hold a special place in my heart for Paperboy, I doubt that many people share my opinion. As is such, I suggest this XBLA title for fans of nostalgia or achievement points only.